United States Patent 5,773,443: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,773,443, titled "Triazole antifungal agents," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antifungal compounds. This patent, granted to researchers and inventors in the field of organic chemistry, outlines the synthesis, properties, and applications of specific triazole-based antifungal agents.
Background
The patent was granted on June 30, 1998, and has since expired due to the typical 20-year lifespan of patents from the date of filing. The invention pertains to compounds of the triazole class, which are known for their efficacy in treating fungal infections.
Chemical Structure and Composition
The patent describes antifungal compounds of a specific formula, which includes a phenyl group substituted by 1 to 3 substituents. These compounds are part of the broader class of heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members[1].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, specifying the general structure of the triazole antifungal compounds.
- Subsequent claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular substituents, their positions, and other structural details.
Dependent Claims
- These claims build upon the independent claims, providing more specific examples of compounds that fall within the scope of the invention.
- For instance, claims might specify particular R groups, the number and position of substituents, and other structural variations.
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which cover a range of triazole compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The patent emphasizes the antifungal activity of these compounds, making them valuable for treating various fungal infections.
Therapeutic Applications
The triazole antifungal agents described in this patent are designed to target a wide range of fungal pathogens. These compounds are particularly useful in treating systemic and superficial fungal infections, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients.
Patent Landscape
Classification
The patent is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, specifically under C07D213/60 and C07D213/61, which pertain to heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings with specific structural features[1].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field often relate to similar antifungal compounds or methods of synthesis. For example, patents like WO2007132354A2 describe processes for preparing other antifungal agents, such as voriconazole, which are also part of the triazole class[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the impact and coverage of this patent, patent analytics tools can be employed. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection.
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can be used to determine which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to these triazole antifungal agents. This matrix helps in identifying whether the claims cover the intended technology and highlights any gaps or future design opportunities[3].
Scope Concepts
The scope concepts of the patent claims are crucial for understanding their value. These concepts can be categorized as high, medium, or low value, depending on their current and future relevance to the company's products and technologies[3].
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Patent Eligibility
The patent eligibility of claims like those in US5773443A is subject to the criteria set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 101. This involves determining whether the claims are directed to patent-eligible subject matter and whether they include an inventive concept that transforms the nature of the claim into a patent-eligible application[5].
Expiration and Public Domain
Since the patent has expired, the inventions described are now in the public domain. This means that the specific triazole antifungal compounds and their methods of synthesis can be freely used and developed by anyone without infringing on the original patent.
Industry Impact
The triazole antifungal agents described in this patent have had a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. These compounds have been widely used in clinical settings to treat various fungal infections, contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates.
Market Dominance
The development and commercialization of these antifungal agents have allowed pharmaceutical companies to dominate the market for antifungal treatments. The patent protection initially provided a competitive advantage, enabling the patent holders to recoup their investment in research and development.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure: The patent describes specific triazole compounds with antifungal properties.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Therapeutic Applications: The compounds are useful in treating systemic and superficial fungal infections.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is classified under specific IPC categories and is related to other antifungal compound patents.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts help in understanding the patent's value and coverage.
- Legal and Regulatory Aspects: The patent's eligibility and expiration status are crucial for understanding its current legal standing.
- Industry Impact: The patent has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical industry by providing effective antifungal treatments.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 5,773,443?
The main subject of US Patent 5,773,443 is the description and synthesis of triazole antifungal agents.
What is the classification of this patent?
The patent is classified under C07D213/60 and C07D213/61, which pertain to heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings.
What are the therapeutic applications of the compounds described in this patent?
The compounds are useful in treating systemic and superficial fungal infections.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired due to the typical 20-year lifespan of patents from the date of filing.
How can patent analytics tools help in understanding this patent?
Patent analytics tools can help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection, and determining the value of the patent claims.
What happens to the inventions described in the patent after it expires?
After the patent expires, the inventions described are now in the public domain, meaning they can be freely used and developed by anyone without infringing on the original patent.
Sources
- US5773443A - Triazole antifungal agents - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Analytics - Intellectual Property Law
- WO2007132354A2 - Process for preparing voriconazole, new polymorphic form of intermediate thereof, and uses thereof - Google Patents
- SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC v. WYZE LABS, INC. - CAFC US Courts
